Our Latest Holiday Tips

Check your luggage before you get to the airport with a luggage scale (airlines, particularly the low cost carriers have increasingly stringent conditions regarding weight and you may be charged a heavy supplement for going over their maximum weight allowance) – usually 15kg is a maximum weight for European carriers, 20kg for long haul flights

Choose a light sturdy case with wheels and a distinguishing feature eg. a bow or luggage label so you can spot it easily on the carousel.

Check the weight and size allowed for hand luggage.

Remember that you may be asked to unpack your hand luggage for inspection. Check the rules for what you are allowed to take with you to avoid hassle at security eg. pack most cosmetics in your main luggage.

BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT
POSTCODE FOR SAT NAV: B26 3QJ
Situated off junction 6 of the M42 and also served by Birmingham International Rail station. Two flights daily to Dubai, making this an ideal departure airport for passengers travelling with Emirates. Business class passengers travelling with Emirates usually qualify for a complimentary taxi from their home to Birmingham airport.

LEEDS BRADFORD AIRPORT
POSTCODE FOR SAT NAV: LS19 7TU
This airport is good for all flights with Jet2. Also a weekly charter flight (summer only) to Olbia in Sardinia.

LUTON AIRPORT
POSTCODE FOR SAT NAV: LU2 9QT
Situated just off the M1 motorway. Easy road and rail connections to this airport from the East Midlands. A useful airport for Easyjet flights. Its position north of London makes this a convenient airport.

STANSTED AIRPORT
POSTCODE FOR SAT NAV: CM24 1RW
Situated south of Cambridge just off the M11. Good rail connections to and from Peterborough, therefore easily accessible from the East Midlands. The main hub for Ryanair flights.

GATWICK AIRPORT
POSTCODE FOR SAT NAV: RH6 0NP (SOUTH TERMINAL)
POSTCODE FOR SAT NAV: RH6 0PJ (NORTH TERMINAL)
Situated just off the M23 motorway, Gatwick is easily accessible by road. Travelling to and from Gatwick airport is also easy by public transport.. Direct rail links from London Victoria via the dedicated Gatwick Express train, and also from Kings Cross/St Pancras via Thameslink. National Express coaches from Nottingham.For passengers requiring overnight hotel accommodation, there are many designated airport hotels. Or why not stay in Central London and travel to the airport on the morning of departure? Please enquire about our recommended hotels in London located close to Victoria station.

Sign passport, and fill in the emergency information: Make sure you have a signed, valid passport, and a visa, if required, and fill in the emergency information page of your passport.

Leave copies of itinerary and passport data page: Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends, so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

Check your overseas medical insurance coverage: Ask your medical insurance company if your policy applies overseas, and if it covers emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. If it does not, consider supplemental insurance.

Familiarize yourself with local conditions and laws: While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws. The State Department web site at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html has useful safety and other information about the countries you will visit.

Take precautions to avoid being a target of crime: To avoid being a target of crime, do not wear conspicuous clothing or jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money. Also, do not leave unattended luggage in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.

Valuables Don’t bring anything you would hate to lose. Leave at home: Social Security card, library card, and similar items that may be in your wallet.

What to take: Safety begins when you pack. To help avoid becoming a target, do not dress in a way that could mark you as an affluent tourist. Expensive-looking jewelry, for instance, can draw the wrong attention.

Always try to travel light. You can move more quickly and will be more likely to have a free hand. You will also be less tired and less likely to set your luggage down, leaving it unattended.

If you wear glasses, pack an extra pair. Pack them and any medicines you need in your carry-on luggage.

To avoid problems when passing through customs, Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Bring copies of your prescriptions and the generic names for the drugs. If a medication is unusual or contains narcotics, carry a letter from your doctor attesting to your need to take the drug. If you have any doubt about the legality of carrying a certain drug into a country, consult the embassy or consulate of that country before you travel.

Pack an extra set of passport photos along with a photocopy of your passport’s information page to make replacement of your passport easier in the event it is lost or stolen.

Put your name, address and telephone numbers inside and outside of each piece of luggage. Use covered luggage tags to avoid casual observation of your identity or nationality. If possible, lock your luggage.